Description
Delicious grilled eggplant slices infused with rosemary, rolled around a savory filling of ricotta, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients
2 medium eggplants (about 1.5 lbs total), sliced lengthwise 1/4-inch thick
2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for grilling
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tsp salt, plus more for salting eggplant
1/2 tsp black pepper
15 oz ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
5 oz fresh spinach, finely chopped
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the eggplant. Lay eggplant slices in a single layer on paper towels. Sprinkle generously with salt and let sit for 20-30 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat thoroughly dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Season and grill eggplant. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, chopped rosemary, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Brush both sides of the dried eggplant slices with the rosemary oil. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill eggplant slices for 3-4 minutes per side, or until tender and nicely charred with grill marks. Transfer to a plate and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the filling. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Assemble the rolls. Lay a grilled eggplant slice flat. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the ricotta filling at one end. Carefully roll up the eggplant slice to enclose the filling. Repeat with the remaining eggplant slices and filling.
Step 5: Serve. Arrange the rosemary-infused grilled eggplant rolls on a platter. Serve warm or at room temperature. Optionally, drizzle with balsamic glaze or a light tomato sauce, and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or chopped parsley.
Notes
For extra flavor, lightly brush the grilled eggplant rolls with a balsamic glaze before serving. You can also experiment with different fillings, such as adding crumbled feta cheese, chopped olives, or swapping spinach for kale.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 rolls
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg